The fear of workers losing their jobs to machines will be discussed at a political forum in West Leeds later this month.
Armley Café Politique will consider how workers in the North East of England are at the highest risk of having their jobs taken by machines. A Centre for Cities think-tank recently reported that automation stands to further widen the north-south divide.
Armley Café Politique convenor Richard Honey said:
“The age of the Robots is upon us, yet we are failing to adequately think through the consequences of rapid technological change for our region and how it will affect millions of jobs and individuals.”
Café Politique is holding its latest event at New Wortley Community Centre on Tuesday, 13 February, called The 4th Industrial Revolution: The future of work, leisure and social justice in the age of the robots.
The discussion will be introduced by two expert speakers:
- Luke Raikes, a Senior Research Fellow at the influential IPPR, one of the UK’s foremost ‘thinktanks’.
- Andrew Irving, a leading trade unionist in the Yorkshire region, and convenor at BASF
Chemicals in Bradford.
Armley Café Politique is hosted by Armley Labour Party but Richard Honey is keen to point
out the event is aimed at everyone who is interested in ideas, whatever their political loyalties.
It is also aimed at a wider audience across the city as well as Armley residents.
My Honey added:
“Solutions to the problems thrown up by technology will need us to think outside our traditional political loyalties and involve people across society.”
Light refreshments are available, provided by the New Wortley Community Centre. The event, which starts at 7.30pm, is free but attendees are encouraged to contribute to help cover expenses on a pay as you feel basis.
More information can be found at the Café Facebook page.
